Balasan buy-bust yields PHP 3.35M shabu

A high-value individual and two others were arrested in a buy-bust operation that yielded suspected shabu worth PHP 3,352,400.00, a firearm, and ammunition in Barangay Balanti-an, Balasan, Iloilo, on June 1, 2026.

Police also turned over a 14-year-old minor to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Balasan for proper disposition and intervention.

Arrested were alias “Dodoy,” 46, a high-value individual and primary target of the operation from Estancia, Iloilo; alias “Juv,” 25, a street-level individual and live-in partner of alias “Dodoy,” from Dagupan City, Pangasinan; and alias “Berna,” 18, a street-level individual from Carles, Iloilo.

Police said the minor is reportedly a granddaughter of the main target.

Authorities recovered about 493 grams of suspected shabu packed in 13 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets.

Also seized were a homemade 12-gauge shotgun with a magazine loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, buy-bust money, and other non-drug evidence.

The operation was conducted by joint operatives of the Balasan Municipal Police Station, 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Carles Special Boat Crew of the Special Operations Unit 4 of the Maritime Group.

Police said the operation followed more than a month of surveillance and case build-up.

Investigators said alias “Dodoy” had a previous drug-related case in Estancia, Iloilo, in March 2015.

He served his sentence and was released from jail in 2025, police added.

PBGen. Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional director of Police Regional Office 6, commended the operating units for the operation.

“This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality in Western Visayas. The arrest of a high-value individual and the seizure of a substantial volume of illegal drugs prevented these dangerous substances from reaching our communities. We commend the operating units for their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork,” said PRO6 Acting Regional Director PBGen Randulf T. Tuaño.

“We also urge the public to remain vigilant and report illegal activities in their areas. I likewise appeal to parents and guardians to closely monitor and guide their children. It is disheartening to see young individuals being drawn into illegal drug activities when they should be in school and engaged in productive endeavors. Together, let us protect our youth and sustain safer, drug-free communities,” he added.

The arrested suspects are under the custody of the Balasan Municipal Police Station.

Police said appropriate charges will be filed for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Authorities also said charges will be filed for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.